Garden takes root at East China Township retirement center | Life
Residents at Mallards Landing Retirement Center in East China Township are now able to enjoy an expanded community garden on the grounds thanks to a local boy scout . Vincent Gaytan constructed a paved wheelchair-friendly sidewalk behind the center from the dining hall to the outside raised vegetable garden . He then built two additional raised garden beds and planted vegetables, including lettuce, leeks, banana peppers and eggplant. Gaytan is a Life Scout with Marine City Boy Scout Troop 296 and is working to achieve Eagle Scout status . To achieve the highest rank in Scouting, Gaytan is required to complete an extensive community service project . “I chose to help Mallards Landing because I wanted the residents to be able to have an area to gather and keep active,” Gaytan wrote in a letter seeking donations for the project. “By providing boxes that all can access, my hope is they will keep their minds and bodies active while enjoying a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.” ...